Fideo~Your best friend on a rainy day

So, you want a hearty meal for the whole family, unexpected guests for just a couple of dollars in less than 30 minutes? Look no further than a traditional mexican soup that is both comforting AND healthy!

1 can Diced Tomatoes

1 small can Tomato Sauce

1 package of small pasta (fideo, small shells, alphabets, estrellas)

1 envelope of Sazon Seasoning (found in the Mexican food section of most grocers)

1 diced onion

2-3 cups Chicken Broth (vegetable broth will do in a pinch)

olive oil

Tapatio Sauce (Louisiana Hot Sauce will do in a pinch)

Optional:

cilantro

old stale broken tortilla chips from the bottom of the bag

cheese

tortillas

oregano

Saute the diced onions in the olive oil in a big stockpot over medium heat. Once they start becoming transluscent, pour in the DRY pasta. Blanch the pasta, it will become white and then start turning brown, that is perfect! Pour two of the cups of broth into the pasta and onion. Let cook for a moment while you open your cans. If you like more texture leave the diced tomatoes as they are. If you prefer a smoother texture either use a hand blender for 3-5 seconds or simply use a big can of tomato sauce in its place. Add the envelope of Sazon. In any case, cook for 15 minutes. At this point, if it has become too thick, add in the third cup of broth. Give the Tapatio Sauce three shakes into the soup. After five or so minutes it should be ready to serve! We put some cheese inside of a small tortilla (either corn or flour) and then roll tight to dip into the soup. You may use none or all of the toppings, whatever you have in your pantry.